about the book

Meet Edgar and Allan Poe -- twelve-year-old identical twins, the great-great-great-great-grandnephews of Edgar Allan Poe. They look and act so much alike that they're almost one mischievous, prank-playing boy in two bodies. When their beloved black cat, Roderick Usher, is kidnapped and transported to the Midwest, Edgar and Allan convince their guardians that it's time for a road trip. Along the way, mayhem and mystery ensue, as well as deeper questions: What is the boys' telepathic connection? Is Edgar Allan Poe himself reaching out to them from the Great Beyond? And why has a mad scientist been spying on the Poe family for years?

With a mix of literary humor, mystery, and a little quantum physics, this series opener is a perfect choice for smart, funny tweens who love the Time Warp Trio, Roald Dahl, and Lemony Snicket.

our thoughts

What a fun and quirky story.  I love books that hold my attention from beginning to end.  This was such a book.  The characters are amazing!  I loved the cat!!! If you read this book, you'll understand what I'm saying.  The cat is a major player (even pictured on the cover).   Acts like a real person (well, most cats do, but this one is special).

Illustrations are fantastic, they tell a story themselves.

The publishers blurb calls this book a mixture of Lemony Snicket and Roald Dahl.  I must agree.    

If you like middle grade stories (and who doesn't), you'll love this book.

we give this book 4 ice cream cones